This module in general Has proven to be a real leaning curve for me . Having to plan, organise and promote myself in an independent and professional manner has been very stressful but rewarding for me .
I am very pleased with my promotional Items. They all turned out exactly how they wanted to and received good feedback, Particularly my Postcards as they show off my work in the best way and highlight new skills which I would not have tried had It not been for this module. By experimenting with different ways to print I came across a simple, yet effective way of creating images which I plan to explore more in the future.
The cards are effective in showing my skill and providing my crucial contact information and by varying them and getting a range of designs, this means that I will have differing cards to present to different clients .
My bookmarks and key rings will also do very well in promoting me , particularly at conventions and other events where I showcase my work and can sell little examples of promotional items, they will work well because the characters I have chosen for these items were positively received and in time I hope that I can make more of them to promote myself with.
The Stickers will hopefully do the same , but as they didn't arrive yet I am not sure if they will be included in this module . I will update as soon as they do though and will hopefully be here in time for my presentation.
I have looked at possible CV ideas but as of yet there is not many illustration related experience on there yet apart from my work experience and a few older forms of art and film jobs.
I hope to get this finished at some point and build up my CV as it will help me to gain some placements in jobs such as production design and some storyboarding.
Having the Mock Interview With tutors the week before Hand in Proved to be a very helpful exercise for me . I am not the best at talking in presentations and I have been trying to better myself with this skill. Having my tutor tell me to slow down and show off my work slowly and confidently as well as reassure me that my interview and work was up to standard really helped ease my tension and anxiety regarding the interviews and I feel a lot more confident showing my work to others now.
I have found the workshops enriching and valuable as I found that I knew very little about the industry I was about to step into and now feel a little more guided as to my future plans and what to do in regards to some finance , agencies and other important areas that I will be facing once I leave University and head into the world of work .
Through all the stress and doubt this module has given , I am very glad to have been able participate in it . I knew very little of what I wanted to do and It all seems a little more clearer to me now. I feel a lot more comfortable going into the world of work with this head start of knowledge and material which I know some students do not have the opportunity to explore.
I feel that I know my work and practice much better and have set plans for what I want to achieve and how I can get there.
After the interviews I plan to go to the london book fair on the 8th of April and talk to some of the people there and gather as much information as I can regarding submissions and standard of work and this will hopefully be an opportunity to show my portfolio .
My plan is to go to talk to the companies I mentioned such as Knockabout , Selfmade hero and and a few others. I will be asking about submissions and give them my details and will also bring my portfolio to show them examples of my work such as my FMP work . I have designed business cards to go with this project for this reason . This is basically a way of me finding out what I need to do to get my work up to the standard for publishing as well as talking to people about my work and promoting myself.
Over the easter holidays I will be looking for opportunities at home but getting in contact with William Simpson again and looking into getting in touch with Uproar comics.
I will also be looking up contacts for concept and production internships for some local film companies to gain experience in the field and hopefully a more permanent job opportunity.
I would be looking for work with story boards and Conceptual art but also would be looking for a role in character design or production design.
I have my postcards and business cards to give out as well as a possible CV as I feel this will be needed for jobs like this and it better to be prepared for this .
I plan will attend local Conventions in Northern Ireland and Ireland such as Q con, Belfast MCM, Arcade Con, Nom Con, Eirtakon and some Conventions in the UK such as London MCM. I plan to get a table for at least 4 of these conventions to promote myself with my work such as prints, sketches and promotional items such as my stickers, bookmarks and keyrings as this may serve as another route to gain contacts and experience .
I would like to be Self Employed and freelance , but I worry that at the minute I have very little Experience and little knowledge of finance ect . The workshops I have attended at University have been very helpful , but I am still worried about it . That is why I will be trying to apply for an agency , as I feel there is a bit more stability and security there . I have looked at a few Agencies like Folio and Illustration Web who represent a lot of Comic and conceptual artists as well as places like Action Artist who specialize in representing Conceptual artists and Storyboard Artists.
For the time being I will be promoting myself while trying to gain a place in an agency until I feel that I have enough experience and knowledge to try to publish and work for myself .
